Preps underway for peace caravan in central Mindanao

By Lerio Bompat, ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division, which covers the Central Mindanao area, is now busy in the preparation for the “fluvial caravan for peace” scheduled on Tuesday, January 29.

In a press briefing Friday, Public Affairs Office Chief Col. Dickson Hermoso said 200 floats or “bangkas” will participate and more than 2,000 individuals are expected to join the fluvial parade.

The floats will be decorated based on the concept and theme, "Pagkakaisa tungo sa mapayapa at maunlad na Bangsamoro".

Col. Hermoso said this is an activity that will bring together all sectors towards achieving lasting peace in Mindanao.

The fluvial caravan will start at 7 a.m. from the Lower Taviran of Mother Kabuntalan in Maguindanao and will traverse the river going to Kalangan 3 in Cotabato City, where a program will be held to also kick-off the “Sports for Peace”.

The sportsfest will be participated in by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), other security groups, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

President Benigno Aquino III is the guest of honor in the activity.

The fluvial caravan for peace is through the cooperation of the AFP, PNP, MILF, ARMM government, local government units, Department of Education, the religious sector and the CSOs.

The activity is in support of the GPH-MILF peace talks following the breakthrough of the framework agreement last October 2012. -- With a report from Lalaine Bolongon, ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao